Positioning method and device

Abstract

An embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a positioning method and its apparatus, which is executed by a core network device, and includes a step of sending a positioning message, in which the positioning message includes time information for instructing an access network device or a terminal device to return response information. Therefore, the time of each stage of the positioning process is controlled by the core network device, so that the core network device can complete the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time range, and the positioning delay is reduced.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a positioning method and apparatus therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] In a communication system, various positioning techniques can be used to realize the positioning of a terminal device. Before realizing the positioning of a terminal device, a core network device needs to complete positioning preparation tasks, such as determining the positioning capability of the terminal device, obtaining a sounding reference signal (SRS) of the terminal device, and providing positioning assistance information to the terminal device.

[0003] Since the time required for each of the above positioning preparation tasks is not controlled by the core network device, the core network device may not be able to complete the preparation tasks by the predetermined time. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a positioning method and apparatus applicable to a positioning service in a communication system, in which a core network device sends a positioning message including time information, thereby instructing an access network device or a terminal device to return response information to the core network device within a time indicated by the time information. Therefore, since the time of each stage of the positioning process is controlled by the core network device, the core network device can complete the positioning preparation within a predetermined time range, thereby reducing positioning delay.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning method performed by a network device, the method including: transmitting a positioning message, the positioning message including time information for instructing the returning of response information.

[0006] In this technology, an access network device sends a positioning message including time information to instruct an access network device or a terminal device to return response information to the core network device within the time indicated by the time information. Therefore, the time of each stage of the positioning process is controlled by the core network device, so that the core network device can complete the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time range, thereby reducing the positioning delay.

[0007] Optionally, the step of transmitting the positioning message comprises: sending a positioning message to an access network device; Or, The method includes transmitting a positioning message to the terminal device.

[0008] In one embodiment, the time information is one of a time point and a time length.

[0009] Optionally, the positioning message comprises: Terminal device capability request message, Positioning measurement result request message, Positioning information request message, and It is one of the positioning activation request messages.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method comprises: receiving a positioning request message, the positioning request message including a time of a predetermined location; and determining the time information based on a time at the predetermined location.

[0011] Optionally, determining the time information based on the time of the predetermined location includes: Determining the time information based on a time of the predetermined location and a time when the positioning request message was received.

[0012] Optionally, determining the time information based on the time of the predetermined location includes: Determining the time information based on a time of the predetermined location and a type of the positioning message.

[0013] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include: A positioning method performed by an access network device is provided, the method including the step of receiving a positioning message, the positioning message including time information for instructing the return of response information.

[0014] In one embodiment, the time information is a time point or a time length.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, the time information is a time point, and the method further comprises: The method further includes returning response information before the time point.

[0016] In another possible embodiment, the time information is a time length, and the method further comprises: starting a first timer in response to the positioning message being received; and returning response information before the time count of the first timer reaches the time length.

[0017] Optionally, the positioning message is one of a positioning information request message, a positioning measurement result request message, and a positioning activation request message.

[0018] Optionally, the positioning message is a positioning information request message, and the method further comprises: The method further includes a step of returning uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to a designated terminal device within a time indicated in the time information, wherein the designated terminal device is the terminal device indicated in the positioning information request message.

[0019] Optionally, the positioning message is a positioning activation request message, and the method further comprises: The method further includes returning a positioning activation response message within a time indicated by the time information.

[0020] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include: A positioning method performed by a terminal device is provided, the method including the step of receiving a positioning message, the positioning message including time information for instructing the terminal device to return response information.

[0021] Optionally, the time information is a time point or a time length.

[0022] Optionally, the time information is a time point, and the method further comprises: The method further includes returning response information before the time point.

[0023] Optionally, the time information is a time length, and the method further comprises: starting a first timer in response to the positioning message being received; and returning response information before the time count of the first timer reaches the time length.

[0024] Optionally, the positioning message is a terminal device capability request message, and the method further comprises: The method further includes returning positioning capability information of the terminal device within a time indicated by the time information.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, the communication device comprising a part or all of the functions of implementing the core network device in the method according to the first aspect. For example, the functions of the device may comprise the functions of a part or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or may comprise the function of independently implementing any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The functions may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware. The hardware or software may include one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions.

[0026] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, the communication device comprising a part or all of the functions of implementing the access network device in the method according to the second aspect. For example, the functions of the device may comprise the functions of a part or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or may comprise the function of independently implementing any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The functions may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware. The hardware or software may include one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, the communication device comprising a part or all of the functions of implementing the terminal device in the method according to the third aspect. For example, the functions of the device may comprise the functions of some or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or may comprise the function of independently implementing any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The functions may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by executing corresponding software by hardware. The hardware or software may include one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions.

[0028] In one embodiment, the structure of each of the above devices may include a transceiver module and a processing module, the processing module being configured to support the device in performing the corresponding function of the above method. The transceiver module is used to support communication between the device and other devices. The device may further include a storage module, the storage module being used in combination with the transceiver module and the processing module to store computer programs and data required for the communication device.

[0029] As examples, the processing module may be a processor, the transceiver module may be a transceiver or a communication interface, and the storage module may be a memory.

[0030] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device including a processor, which executes the method according to the first aspect when the processor invokes a computer program stored in a memory.

[0031] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device including a processor, the communication device performing the method according to the second aspect when the processor invokes a computer program stored in a memory.

[0032] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device including a processor, which executes the method according to the third aspect when the processor invokes a computer program stored in a memory.

[0033] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device including a processor and a memory, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, thereby causing the communication device to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0034] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device including a processor and a memory, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, thereby causing the communication device to perform the method according to the second aspect.

[0035] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device including a processor and a memory, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, thereby causing the communication device to perform the method according to the third aspect.

[0036] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions for use in the core network device, the instructions, when executed, causing the core network device to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0037] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a readable storage medium for storing instructions for use in the access network device, the instructions, when executed, causing the access network device to perform the method according to the second aspect.

[0038] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a readable storage medium for storing instructions for use in the terminal device, the instructions, when executed, causing the terminal device to perform the method of the third aspect.

[0039] In a sixteenth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer program product comprising a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to carry out the method according to the first aspect above.

[0040] In a seventeenth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer program product comprising a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to carry out the method according to the second aspect above.

[0041] In an eighteenth aspect, the present disclosure further provides a computer program product comprising a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to carry out the method according to the third aspect above.

[0042] In a nineteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface, the chip system being used to support a core network device in implementing the functionality of the first aspect, e.g., determining or processing at least one of the data and information according to the method. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory, the memory being used to store computer programs and data required by the core network device. The chip system may be comprised of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0043] In a twentieth aspect, the present disclosure provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface, the chip system being used to support an access network device to perform the functions according to the second aspect, e.g., to determine or process at least one of the data and information according to the method. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory, the memory being used to store computer programs and data required by the access network device. The chip system may be comprised of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0044] In a twenty-first aspect, the present disclosure provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface, the chip system being used to support a terminal device in implementing the functions according to the third aspect, for example, determining or processing at least one of the data and information according to the method. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory, the memory being used to store computer programs and data required by the terminal device. The chip system may be composed of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0045] In a twenty-second aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to carry out the method according to the first aspect above.

[0046] In a twenty-third aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to carry out the method according to the second aspect above.

[0047] In a twenty-fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to carry out the method according to the third aspect above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] To more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of the present disclosure, the following describes drawings that may be used in the embodiments or background art of the present disclosure.

[0049] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16]1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 1 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] To facilitate understanding, we will first introduce the terms used in this disclosure.

[0051] 1. LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) Message As a general-purpose positioning communication protocol, LPP's main function is to exchange positioning assistance data and positioning information between the network and the terminal. In practice, it may be used in both the control plane and the data plane.

[0052] Here, LPP messages may be used for message transmission between core network devices and terminal devices.

[0053] 2. New radio positioning protocol A (NRRPPa) messages NRPPa is a protocol for standardizing the signaling process of the wireless network layer of the control plane between a base station and a Location Management Function (LMF) device. NRPPa messages between the LMF and the gNB may be divided into non-UE associated messages and UE associated messages.

[0054] Here, the non-UE associated message may be used to transmit TRP information, measurement information, auxiliary information, etc. between the base station and the LMF. The UE associated message may be used to transmit information related to a designated terminal device, such as TRP setting information of the terminal device, between the base station and the LMF.

[0055] To better understand the positioning method disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following first describes a communication system to which the embodiments of the present disclosure apply.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1, Figure 1 is an architecture diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This communication system may include, but is not limited to, one core network device, one access network device, and one terminal device. The number and form of devices shown in Figure 1 are for example only and do not limit the embodiment of the present disclosure. In actual applications, the communication system may include two or more access network devices, two or more terminal devices, and two or more core network devices. The communication system shown in Figure 1 includes, as an example, one core network device 11, one terminal device 12, and one access network device 10.

[0057] It should be noted that the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems, such as a long term evolution (LTE) system, a fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, a 5G new radio (NR) system, or other future new mobile communication systems. The base station 10 in the embodiments of the present disclosure is a network-side entity for transmitting or receiving signals. For example, the access network device 10 may be an evolved base station (eNB), a next generation base station (gNB) in an NR system, a base station in other future mobile communication systems, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific technology and the specific device form used for the access network device.

[0058] The core network device 11 and the access network device 10 provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured with a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), and the CU may be referred to as a control unit. The CU-DU structure allows the protocol layers of a network device, such as a base station, to be separated, with some protocol layer functions being centrally controlled by the CU, and some or all of the remaining protocol layer functions being distributed to the DUs, with the CU centrally controlling the DUs.

[0059] The terminal device 12 in the embodiment of the present disclosure is a user-side entity for transmitting or receiving signals, such as a mobile phone. The terminal device may also be called a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device may be an automobile with a communication function, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable terminal, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with a wireless transmission and reception function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, etc. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the specific technology and the specific device form used for the terminal device.

[0060] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to more clearly explain the technical means of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not limit the technical means provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will know that with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical means provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to similar technical problems.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a positioning method and apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be introduced in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Referring to Figure 2, Figure 2 is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by a core network arc device. As shown in Figure 2, this method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0063] In step 21, a positioning message is transmitted, and the positioning message includes time information for instructing the return of response information.

[0064] Here, this positioning message may be sent by the core network device to the access network device, or may be sent by the core network device to the terminal device, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0065] Here, the core network device may be an LMF device, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] Optionally, the time information is one of a time point and a time length.

[0067] That is, the core network device can instruct the access network device or the terminal device when to return the response information. For example, if the time information is time t1, the core network device can instruct the access network device or the terminal device to return the response information before time t1.

[0068] Alternatively, the core network device can start counting from the time when it receives the positioning message sent by the core network device, and instruct the access network device or the terminal device to return response information within the time length indicated by the time information. For example, if the time information is time length t2 and the time when the access network device or the terminal device receives the positioning message is t3, the access network device or the terminal device needs to return response information before time t3+t2.

[0069] Optionally, the positioning message is any one of a terminal device capability request message, a positioning measurement result request message, a positioning information request message, and a positioning activation request message.

[0070] Here, the terminal device capability request message is a message sent by a core network device to a terminal device, and is used to obtain the positioning capability information of the terminal device, such as an LPP message, LPP Request Capabilities.

[0071] Here, the positioning information request message is a message sent by a core network device to an access network device, and is used to obtain uplink positioning reference signal setting information corresponding to a specified terminal device, such as an NRPPa message: Positioning information request.

[0072] Here, the positioning activation request message is a message sent by a core network device to an access network device when the uplink positioning reference signal setting information acquired by the core network device is aperiodic or semi-persistent, and is used to trigger the access network device to send an activation instruction to the terminal device, activating the specified uplink positioning reference signal in the terminal device, or instruct the access network device to send a deactivation instruction to the terminal device, deactivating the specified uplink positioning reference signal in the terminal device, such as an NRPPa message: Positioning Activation Request.

[0073] Here, the positioning measurement result request message is a message sent by a core network device to an access network device, and is used to obtain measurement results of an uplink positioning reference signal, such as an NRPPa message:measurement request.

[0074] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the core network device sends a positioning message including time information, thereby instructing the access network device or the terminal device to return response information to the core access network device within the time indicated by the time information. Therefore, since the time of each stage of the positioning process is controlled by the core network device, the core network device can complete the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time range, and the positioning delay is reduced.

[0075] Referring to Figure 3, Figure 3 is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by a core network arc device. As shown in Figure 3, this method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0076] In step 31, a positioning request message is received, the positioning request message including a time of a predetermined location.

[0077] Here, this positioning request message may be sent to the core network device by a terminal device, a positioning service agent, or an application function (AF). The predetermined location time is the positioning measurement result time of the desired target terminal device, i.e., the target terminal performs positioning measurement at this time, and / or the base station performs positioning measurement on the target terminal at this time. For example, the predetermined location time is a scheduled location time. Here, this predetermined location time may be a point in time or a length of time. The present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0078] In step 32, time information is determined based on the time of the predetermined location. Here, the time information may be a time point or a time length, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0079] Specifically, after receiving a positioning request message including a predetermined location time, the core network device can determine time information corresponding to each positioning preparation process based on the processes required for the positioning preparation work and the predetermined location time.

[0080] Optionally, the core network device may determine the time information based on the time of the predetermined location and the time at which the positioning request message was received.

[0081] For example, if the positioning request message is received at time t m and the time at a given location is of duration n, the core network device m It can be determined that the positioning information needs to be returned before +n, and thus the time information corresponding to each positioning preparation process can be determined.

[0082] Or, the time when the positioning request message is received is t m and the time at a given location is time t n If so, the core network device n The positioning information must be returned before t n -t m It can be determined that each positioning preparation process needs to be completed within a period of time, and thus time information corresponding to each positioning preparation process can be determined.

[0083] It should be noted that the above examples are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the time information in embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0084] Alternatively, the core network device may determine the time information based on the time of a given location and the type of positioning message.

[0085] In the present disclosure, the positioning information may be transmitted by a core network device to an access network device or may be transmitted to a terminal device. Because the protocols adopted for different types of positioning messages may be different, the corresponding data compression schemes may be different, and the length of time for the access network device or the terminal device to process the message may also be different. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the core network device may determine the time information based on the type of the positioning message and the predetermined time of location.

[0086] For example, the time information corresponding to when the positioning message is a terminal device capability request message is different from the time information corresponding to when the positioning message is a positioning information request message, or the time information corresponding to when the positioning message is a terminal device capability request message is different from the time information corresponding to when the positioning message is a positioning activation request message.

[0087] It should be noted that when the positioning message is any one of a terminal device capability request message, a positioning measurement result request message, a positioning information request message, and a positioning activation request message, the corresponding time information may be the same or different.

[0088] In step 33, a positioning message is transmitted, and the positioning message includes time information for instructing the return of response information.

[0089] Here, for the specific implementation manner in which the core network device sends the positioning message and the type of the positioning message, etc., please refer to the detailed descriptions of other embodiments of the present disclosure, and repeated description will be omitted here.

[0090] By implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure, the core network device determines the time information contained in the positioning message based on the received positioning request message containing a predetermined position time, and both the access network device and the terminal device can return response information within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network can complete the positioning preparation work within the predetermined position time, and the positioning delay is reduced.

[0091] Referring to Figure 4, Figure 4 is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by a core network arc device. As shown in Figure 4, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0092] In step 41, a positioning request message sent by a terminal device is received, and the positioning request message includes a predetermined position time.

[0093] In step 42, time information corresponding to the positioning information request message is determined based on the time of the predetermined location.

[0094] Here, for specific implementation forms of the above step 41 and step 42, reference can be made to the detailed descriptions of the other embodiments of the present disclosure, and repeated description will be omitted here.

[0095] In step 43, a positioning information request message is sent to the access network device, and the positioning information request message includes time information for instructing the access network device to return response information.

[0096] Here, the positioning information request message is a message sent by a core network device to an access network device to obtain uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to a specified terminal device. The core network device can send the positioning information request message to the access network device via an NRPPa message.

[0097] Here, the time information may be a time point or a time length, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0098] In step 44, receive uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to the designated terminal device returned by the access network device within the time indicated by the time information, where the designated terminal device is the terminal device indicated in the positioning information request message.

[0099] The access network device can use the NRPPa message to return uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to the specified terminal device to the core network device.

[0100] For the specific implementation of this step, please refer to the detailed descriptions of the other embodiments of the present disclosure, and repeated description will be omitted here.

[0101] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the core network device determines time information corresponding to the positioning information request message based on the received positioning request message including the predetermined position time, then sends the positioning information request message including the time information to the access network device, and receives uplink positioning reference signal setting information corresponding to the specified terminal device returned by the access network device within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device can complete the positioning preparation work within the predetermined position time, and the positioning delay is reduced.

[0102] Referring to Figure 5, Figure 5 is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by a core network arc device. As shown in Figure 5, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0103] In step 51, a positioning information request message is sent to an access network device, and the positioning information request message includes time information for instructing the access network device to return response information.

[0104] Here, the positioning information request message is a message sent by a core network device to an access network device to obtain uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to a specified terminal device. The core network device can send the positioning information request message to the access network device via an NRPPa message.

[0105] Here, the time information may be a time point or a time length, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0106] In step 52, receive uplink positioning reference signal setting information corresponding to the specified terminal device returned by the access network device within the time indicated by the time information.

[0107] Here, the specified terminal device is the terminal device indicated in the positioning information request message.

[0108] The access network device can use the NRPPa message to return uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to the specified terminal device to the core network device.

[0109] For the specific implementation of this step, please refer to the detailed descriptions of the other embodiments of the present disclosure, and repeated description will be omitted here.

[0110] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, a core network device sends a positioning information request message including time information to an access network device, and receives uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to a specified terminal device returned by the access network device within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device can complete positioning preparation within a predetermined time, thereby reducing positioning delay.

[0111] Referring to Figure 6, Figure 6 is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by a core network arc device. As shown in Figure 6, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0112] In step 61, a positioning activation request message is sent to an access network device, and the positioning activation request message includes time information for instructing the access network device to return response information.

[0113] Here, if the positioning activation request message is non-periodic or semi-persistent uplink positioning reference signal setting information obtained by the core network device, the message sent by the core network device to the access network device is used to trigger the access network device to send an activation instruction to the terminal device, activating the specified uplink positioning reference signal in the terminal device, or instruct the access network device to send a deactivation instruction to the terminal device, deactivating the specified uplink positioning reference signal in the terminal device.

[0114] The core network device may send a positioning activation request message to the access network device via an NRPPa message.

[0115] In step 62, a positioning activation response message returned by the access network device within the time indicated by the time information is received.

[0116] Here, the positioning activation response message is a message returned by the access network to the core network device, and is used to feedback whether to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal designated to the terminal device.

[0117] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, a core network device sends a positioning activation request message including time information to an access network device, and receives a positioning activation response message returned by the access network device within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device can complete the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time, and the positioning delay is reduced.

[0118] Referring to Figure 7, Figure 7 is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by a core network arc device. As shown in Figure 7, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0119] In step 71, a positioning request message sent by a terminal device is received, and the positioning request message includes a predetermined position time.

[0120] In step 72, time information corresponding to the positioning information request message is determined based on the time of the predetermined location.

[0121] In step 73, a positioning information request message is sent to the access network device, and the positioning information request message includes time information for instructing the access network device to return response information.

[0122] In step 74, receive uplink positioning reference signal setting information corresponding to the specified terminal device returned by the access network device within the time indicated by the time information.

[0123] Here, the specified terminal device is the terminal device indicated in the positioning information request message.

[0124] For specific implementations of steps 71 to 74 above, reference can be made to the detailed explanations of the other embodiments of the present disclosure, and repeated explanations will be omitted here.

[0125] In step 75, time information corresponding to the positioning activation request message is determined based on the time of the predetermined location.

[0126] Here, the time information may be a time point or a time length, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0127] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the time information corresponding to the positioning information request message may be the same as or different from the time information corresponding to the positioning activation request message.

[0128] For the specific implementation of this step, please refer to the detailed descriptions of the other embodiments of the present disclosure, and repeated description will be omitted here.

[0129] In step 76, a positioning activation request message is sent to the access network device, and the positioning activation request message includes time information to instruct the access network device to return response information.

[0130] Here, if the positioning activation request message is non-periodic or semi-persistent uplink positioning reference signal setting information obtained by the core network device, the message sent by the core network device to the access network device is used to trigger the access network device to send an activation instruction to the terminal device, activating the specified uplink positioning reference signal in the terminal device, or instruct the access network device to send a deactivation instruction to the terminal device, deactivating the specified uplink positioning reference signal in the terminal device.

[0131] The core network device may send a positioning activation request message to the access network device via an NRPPa message.

[0132] In step 77, a positioning activation response message returned by the access network device is received within the time indicated by the time information.

[0133] Here, the positioning activation response message is a message returned by the access network to the core network device, and is used to feedback whether to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal designated to the terminal device.

[0134] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the core network device determines time information corresponding to the positioning information request message based on the received positioning request message including the predetermined position time, then sends the positioning information request message including the time information to the access network device, receives uplink positioning reference signal setting information corresponding to the specified terminal device returned by the access network device within the time indicated by the time information, and finally sends a positioning activation request message including the time information to the access network device, and receives a positioning activation response message returned by the access network device within the time indicated by the time information. Thus, the core network device can complete the positioning preparation work within the predetermined position time, and the positioning delay is reduced.

[0135] Referring to Figure 8, Figure 8 is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by a core network arc device. As shown in Figure 8, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0136] In step 81, a positioning measurement result request message is sent to an access network device, and the positioning measurement result request message includes time information for instructing the access network device to return response information.

[0137] Here, the time information may be a time point or a time length, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0138] Here, the positioning measurement result request message is a message sent by a core network device to an access network device, and is used to obtain measurement results of an uplink positioning reference signal.

[0139] In step 82, a positioning measurement result message returned by the access network device within the time indicated by the time information is received.

[0140] The access network device may return a positioning measurement result message to the core network device using an NRPPa message.

[0141] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, a core network device sends a positioning measurement result request message including time information to an access network device, and receives a positioning measurement result message returned by the access network device within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device can complete the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time, and the positioning delay is reduced.

[0142] 9, which is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by a core network arc device. As shown in FIG. 9, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0143] In step 91, a terminal device capability request message is sent to the terminal device, and the terminal device capability request message includes time information for instructing the terminal device to return response information.

[0144] Here, the time information may be a time point or a time length, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0145] Here, the terminal device capability request message is a message sent by a core network device to a terminal device, and is used to obtain the positioning capability information of the terminal device. The core network device can send the terminal device capability request message to the terminal device via an LPP message.

[0146] In step 92, the positioning capability information of the terminal device returned by the terminal device within the time indicated by the time information is received.

[0147] The terminal device can return the terminal device's positioning capability information to the core network device using an LPP message.

[0148] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, a core network device sends a terminal device capability request message including time information to a terminal device, and receives the terminal device's positioning capability information returned by the terminal device within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device can complete the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time, thereby reducing the positioning delay.

[0149] 10, which is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by a core network arc device. As shown in FIG. 10, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0150] In step 101, a positioning request message is received, and the positioning request message includes a time of a predetermined location.

[0151] In step 102, determine time information corresponding to the terminal device capability request message based on the time of the predetermined location.

[0152] Here, for specific implementation forms of the above steps 101 and 102, reference can be made to the detailed descriptions of the other embodiments of the present disclosure, and repeated description will be omitted here.

[0153] In step 103, a terminal device capability request message is sent to the terminal device, and the terminal device capability request message includes time information for instructing the terminal device to return response information.

[0154] Here, the time information may be a time point or a time length, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0155] Here, the terminal device capability request message is a message sent by a core network device to a terminal device, and is used to obtain the positioning capability information of the terminal device. The core network device can send the terminal device capability request message to the terminal device via an LPP message.

[0156] In step 104, receive the positioning capability information of the terminal device returned by the terminal device within the time indicated by the time information.

[0157] The terminal device can return the terminal device's positioning capability information to the core network device using an LPP message.

[0158] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the core network device determines time information corresponding to the terminal device capability request message based on the received positioning request message including the predetermined position time, sends the terminal device capability request message including the time information to the terminal device, and receives the terminal device positioning capability information returned by the terminal device within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device can complete the positioning preparation work within the predetermined position time, and reduce the positioning delay.

[0159] 11, which is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by an access network device. As shown in FIG. 11, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0160] In step 111, a positioning message is received, and the positioning message includes time information for instructing the return of response information.

[0161] Here, this positioning message is sent by the core network device to the access network device.

[0162] Optionally, the positioning message is any one of a positioning information request message, a positioning measurement result request message, and a positioning activation request message.

[0163] Optionally, the time information is a time point or a time length.

[0164] Optionally, if the time information is a time point, the access network device returns the response information before the corresponding time point.

[0165] For example, time information is time t i If so, the access network device i The response information must be returned before

[0166] Optionally, if the time information is a time length, the access network device starts a first timer in response to the positioning message being received.

[0167] The response information is returned before the count value of the first timer reaches the time length.

[0168] For example, the time information is a time length t a and the time when the access network device receives the positioning message is t b If so, the access network device b The first timer is started at time t before the count value of the first timer reaches the time length ta, that is, at time t b +t a Before this, the response information must be returned.

[0169] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the access network device receives the positioning message sent by the core network device and returns response information within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device can complete the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time range and reduce the positioning delay.

[0170] 12, which is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is configured to be performed by an access network device. As shown in FIG. 12, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0171] In step 121, a positioning information request message is received, and the positioning information request message includes time information for the core network device to instruct the access network device to return response information.

[0172] Here, the time information may be a time point or a time length, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0173] Here, the positioning information request message is a message sent by a core network device to an access network device, and is used to obtain uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to a specified terminal device.

[0174] In step 122, return the uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to the specified terminal device within the time indicated by the time information.

[0175] Here, the specified terminal device is the terminal device indicated in the positioning information request message.

[0176] Here, after receiving the positioning information request message sent by the core network device, the access network device needs to determine the uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to the specified terminal device, and return the uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to the specified terminal device within the time indicated by the time information.

[0177] The access network device may return uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to the terminal device specified by the NRPPa message to the core network device.

[0178] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, an access network device receives a positioning information request message sent by a core network device and returns uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to a specified terminal device within a time indicated by the time information, thereby allowing the core network device to complete positioning preparation within a predetermined time range and reducing positioning delay.

[0179] 13, which is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by an access network device. As shown in FIG. 13, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0180] In step 131, receive a positioning measurement result request message sent by a core network device, where the positioning measurement result request message includes time information for instructing an access network device to return response information.

[0181] Here, the time information may be a time point or a time length, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0182] Here, the positioning measurement result request message is a message sent by a core network device to an access network device, and is used to obtain measurement results of an uplink positioning reference signal.

[0183] In step 132, return a positioning measurement result message to the core network device within the time indicated by the time information.

[0184] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, an access network device receives a positioning measurement result request message including time information sent by a core network device, and returns a positioning measurement result message within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device can complete the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time, thereby reducing the positioning delay.

[0185] 14, which is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by an access network device. As shown in FIG. 14, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0186] In step 141, a positioning activation request message is received, and the positioning activation request message includes time information for instructing the access network device to return response information.

[0187] Here, if the positioning activation request message is aperiodic or semi-persistent uplink positioning reference signal configuration information obtained by the core network device, the message sent by the core network device to the access network device is used to trigger the access network device to send an activation instruction to the terminal device, activating the specified uplink positioning reference signal in the terminal device, or instruct the access network device to send a deactivation instruction to the terminal device, deactivating the specified uplink positioning reference signal in the terminal device.

[0188] In step 142, a positioning activation response message is returned within the time indicated by the time information.

[0189] Here, the positioning activation response message is a message returned by the access network to the core network device, and is used to feedback whether to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal designated to the terminal device. The access network device can return the positioning activation response message to the core network device by an NRPPa message.

[0190] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the access network device receives the positioning activation request message sent by the core network device and returns a positioning activation response message within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device completes the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time range and reduces the positioning delay.

[0191] 15, which is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by an access network device. As shown in FIG. 15, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0192] In step 151, a positioning information request message is received, and the positioning information request message includes time information for the core network device to instruct the access network device to return response information.

[0193] In step 152, return uplink positioning reference signal setting information corresponding to the specified terminal device within the time indicated by the time information, where the specified terminal device is the terminal device indicated in the positioning information request message.

[0194] Here, for specific implementation forms of the above step 151 and step 152, reference can be made to the detailed descriptions of the other embodiments of the present disclosure, and repeated description will be omitted here.

[0195] In step 153, a positioning activation request message is received, and the positioning activation request message includes time information for instructing the access network device to return response information.

[0196] Here, if the positioning activation request message is non-periodic or semi-persistent uplink positioning reference signal configuration information obtained by the core network device, the message sent by the core network device to the access network device is used to trigger the access network device to send an activation instruction to the terminal device, activating the specified uplink positioning reference signal in the terminal device, or instruct the access network device to send a deactivation instruction to the terminal device, deactivating the specified uplink positioning reference signal in the terminal device.

[0197] In step 154, a positioning activation response message is returned within the time indicated by the time information.

[0198] Here, the positioning activation response message is a message returned by the access network to the core network device, and is used to feedback whether to activate or deactivate the uplink positioning reference signal designated to the terminal device. The access network device can return the positioning activation response message to the core network device by an NRPPa message.

[0199] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, an access network device receives a positioning information request message and returns uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to a designated terminal device within a time indicated by the time information, and if the uplink positioning reference signal configuration information is an aperiodic or semi-persistent positioning reference signal, receives a positioning activation request message and returns a positioning activation response message within a time indicated by the time information, thereby allowing the core network device to complete positioning preparation within a predetermined time range and reducing positioning delay.

[0200] 16, which is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by a terminal device. As shown in FIG. 16, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0201] In step 161, a positioning message is received, and the positioning message includes time information for instructing the return of response information.

[0202] Here, this positioning message is sent by the core network device to the terminal device.

[0203] Optionally, the positioning message is a terminal device capability request message.

[0204] Optionally, the time information is a time point or a time length.

[0205] Alternatively, if the time information is a time point, the terminal device returns the response information before the corresponding time point.

[0206] For example, time information is time t c If so, the terminal device cThe response information must be returned before

[0207] Optionally, if the time information is a time length, the terminal device starts a first timer in response to receiving the positioning message, and returns response information before the count value of the first timer reaches the time length.

[0208] For example, the time information is a time length t d and the time when the terminal device receives the positioning message is t e If so, the terminal device e The first timer is started at time t d before reaching time t e +t d The response information must be returned before

[0209] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device receives the positioning message and returns response information within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device completes the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time range and reduces the positioning delay.

[0210] 17, which is a flowchart of another positioning method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This method is configured to be performed by a terminal device. As shown in FIG. 17, this method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0211] In step 171, a terminal device capability request message is received, and the terminal device capability request message includes time information for the core network device to instruct the terminal device to return response information.

[0212] Here, the time information may be a time point or a time length, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0213] Here, the terminal device capability request message is sent by the core network device to the terminal device and is used to obtain the positioning capability information of the terminal device. The core network device can send the terminal device capability request message to the terminal device by an LPP message.

[0214] In step 172, the positioning capability information of the terminal device is returned within the time indicated by the time information.

[0215] For example, if the time information is a time point, the terminal device needs to return the terminal device's positioning capability information to the core network device by an LPP message before this time point, or if the time information is a time length, the terminal device needs to start a first timer when receiving the terminal device capability request message and return the terminal device's positioning capability information before the timer value reaches the time length.

[0216] By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device receives the terminal device capability request message and returns the terminal device's positioning capability information within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device completes the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time range and reduces the positioning delay.

[0217] In the above embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are presented from the perspectives of a core network device, an access network device, and a terminal device. To realize each function in the methods provided in the above embodiments of the present disclosure, the core network device, the access network device, and the terminal device may include a hardware structure and a software module, and each function is realized in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module. Some of the functions may be implemented in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module.

[0218] 18 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device 180 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 180 shown in FIG. 18 may include a transceiver module 1801 and a processing module 1802. The transceiver module 1801 may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, where the transmitting module is used to realize a transmitting function and the receiving module is used to realize a receiving function, and the transceiver module 1801 may realize a transmitting function and / or a receiving function.

[0219] The communication device 180 may be a core network device (e.g., a core network device in the above method embodiment), a device in a core network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a core network device. Alternatively, the communication device 180 may be an access network device (e.g., an access network device in the above method embodiment), a device in an access network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with an access network device. Alternatively, the communication device 180 may be a terminal device, a device in a terminal device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a terminal device.

[0220] Specifically, if the communication device 180 is a core network device (e.g., a core network device in the above method embodiment):

[0221] The transceiver module 1801 is used to transmit a positioning message, and the positioning message includes time information for instructing the return of response information.

[0222] Optionally, the transceiver module 1801: Used to send positioning messages to access network devices; Or, Used to send positioning messages to terminal devices.

[0223] Optionally, the time information is one of a time point and a time length.

[0224] Optionally, the positioning message may include: Terminal device capability request message, Positioning measurement result request message, Positioning information request message, and It is one of the positioning activation request messages.

[0225] Optionally, the transceiver module 1801: It is used to receive a positioning request message, which includes a time of a predetermined position.

[0226] Optionally, the communication device 180 further includes a processing module 1802 for determining time information based on a time of the predetermined location.

[0227] Optionally, the transceiver module 1801 further comprises: The time information is used to determine the time based on the time of the given location and when the positioning request message was received.

[0228] Optionally, the transceiver module 1801 further comprises: Based on the time of a given location and the type of positioning message, time information is used to determine the time.

[0229] In the communication device provided by the present disclosure, a core network device sends a positioning message including time information to an access network device and a terminal device, and the access network device and the terminal device return response information to the core network device within the time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device completes the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time range and reduces the positioning delay.

[0230] Or, if the communication device 180 is an access network device: The transceiver module 1801 is used to receive a positioning message, and the positioning message includes time information for instructing the return of response information.

[0231] Optionally, the time information is a time point or a time length.

[0232] Optionally, the time information is a time point, and the transceiving module 1801: Used to return response information before a point in time.

[0233] Optionally, the time information is a time length, and the transceiving module 1801: starting a first timer in response to the positioning message being received; It is used to return response information before the first timer reaches the time length.

[0234] Optionally, the positioning message is any one of a positioning information request message, a positioning measurement result request message, and a positioning activation request message.

[0235] Optionally, the positioning message is a positioning information request message, and the transceiving module 1801: It is used to return uplink positioning reference signal setting information corresponding to a specified terminal device within a time indicated by the time information, and the specified terminal device is the terminal device indicated in the positioning information request message.

[0236] Optionally, the positioning message is a positioning activation request message, and the transceiving module 1801: It is used to return a positioning activation response message within the time indicated by the time information.

[0237] In the communication device provided in the present disclosure, the access network device receives the positioning message sent by the core network device and returns response information within a time indicated by the time information, so that the core network device completes the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time range and reduces the positioning delay.

[0238] Therefore, the core network device completes the positioning preparation work within a predetermined time range, and the positioning delay is reduced.

[0239] Or, if the communication device 180 is a terminal device: The transceiver module 1801 is used to receive a positioning message, and the positioning message includes time information for instructing the return of response information.

[0240] Optionally, the time information is a time point or a time length.

[0241] Optionally, the time information is a time point, and the transceiving module 1801: Used to return response information before a point in time.

[0242] Optionally, the time information is a time length, and the transceiving module 1801: starting a first timer in response to the positioning message being received; It is used to return response information before the first timer reaches the time length.

[0243] Optionally, the positioning message is a terminal device capability request message, and the transceiving module 1801: It is used to return the positioning capability information of the terminal device within the time indicated by the time information.

[0244] In the communication device provided in the present disclosure, the terminal device receives a terminal device capability request message and returns positioning capability information of the terminal device within a time indicated by the time information, thereby allowing the core network device to complete positioning preparation within a predetermined time range and reducing positioning delay.

[0245] 19, which is a structural schematic diagram of another communication device 19 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 19 may be a network device, a terminal device (such as the terminal device in the above method embodiment), a chip, chip system, processor, etc. that supports the network device to implement the above method, or a chip, chip system, processor, etc. that supports the terminal device to implement the above method. This device may be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment, and specific reference may be made to the description in the above method embodiment.

[0246] The communication device 190 may include one or more processors 1901. The processor 1901 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, etc. It may be, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control a communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or CU, etc.), execute a computer program, and process data of the computer program.

[0247] Optionally, the communication device 190 may include one or more memories 1902 capable of storing computer programs 1904, and the processor 1901 may execute the computer programs 1904, thereby causing the communication device 190 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, data may also be stored in the memory 1902. The communication device 190 and the memory 1902 may be provided independently or integrated together.

[0248] Optionally, the communication device 190 may also include a transceiver 1905 and an antenna 1906. The transceiver 1905 may also be called a transceiver unit, a transceiver, or a transceiver circuit, and is used to realize transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 1905 may include a receiver and a transmitter, where the receiver may also be called a receiver or a receiving circuit, etc., and is used to realize a receiving function, and the transmitter may also be called a transmitter or a transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to realize a transmitting function.

[0249] Optionally, the communication device 190 may also include one or more interface circuits 1907. The interface circuits 1907 are used to receive and transmit code instructions to the processor 1901. The processor 1901 executes the code instructions to cause the communication device 190 to perform the methods described in the method embodiments above.

[0250] The communication device 190 is a core network device (e.g., a terminal device in an embodiment of the above method), the transceiver 1905 is used to perform step 21 of FIG. 2, step 31 and step 33 of FIG. 3, step 41, step 42, step 43 and step 44 of FIG. 4, etc., and the processor 1901 is used to perform step 32 of FIG. 3, etc.

[0251] The communication device 190 is an access network device, and the transceiver 1905 is used to perform step 111 in FIG. 11, step 1211 and step 122 in FIG. 12, step 131 and step 132 in FIG. 13, and the like.

[0252] The communication device 190 is a terminal device, and the transceiver 1905 may be used to perform step 161 in FIG. 16, steps 171 and 172 in FIG. 17, etc.

[0253] In one embodiment, the processor 1901 may also include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transmitting and receiving circuit, or an interface, or an interface circuit. The transmitting and receiving circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing the receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transmitting and receiving circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used to read and write code / data, or the transmitting and receiving circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used to transmit or communicate signals.

[0254] In one embodiment, the processor 1901 may store a computer program 1903, and the execution of the computer program 1903 on the processor 1901 enables the communication device 190 to perform the methods described in the above method examples. The computer program 1903 may be fixed within the processor 1901, in which case the processor 1901 may be realized by hardware.

[0255] In one embodiment, the communication device 190 may include circuitry, which may implement the functionality of transmitting or receiving or communicating in the above method embodiments. The processors and transceivers described in this disclosure may be implemented as integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed signal ICs, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processors and transceivers may be fabricated using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), n-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS), p-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0256] The communication device described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal device (e.g., a terminal device in the above method embodiment), but the scope of the communication device described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may not be limited to that shown in FIG. 19. The communication device may be an independent device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) A standalone integrated circuit IC, chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more integrated circuits, which may optionally include a storage element for storing data, computer programs; (3) ASICs, such as modems, (4) Modules that can be incorporated into other devices; (5) Receivers, terminal devices, intelligent terminal devices, cellular phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, in-vehicle devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc. (6) Others are also acceptable.

[0257] When the communication device may be a chip or a chip system, reference may be made to the structural schematic diagram of a chip 200 shown in Fig. 20. The chip shown in Fig. 20 includes a processor 2001 and an interface 2002. Here, the number of processors 2001 may be one or more, and the number of interfaces 2002 may be more than one.

[0258] When the chip is used to realize the functions of the core network device in the embodiment of the present disclosure, The interface 2002 is used to execute step 21 in FIG. 2, step 31, step 32 and step 33 in FIG. 3, step 41, step 42, step 43 and step 44 in FIG. 4, and the like.

[0259] When the chip is used to implement the functions of the access network device in the embodiments of the present disclosure, The interface 2002 is used to execute step 111 in FIG. 11, step 1211 and step 122 in FIG. 12, step 131 and step 132 in FIG.

[0260] When the chip is used to realize the functions of the terminal device in the embodiment of the present disclosure, The interface 2002 is used to execute step 161 in FIG. 16, steps 171 and 172 in FIG. 17, and the like.

[0261] Optionally, the chip further includes a memory 2003, which is used to store necessary computer programs and data.

[0262] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps enumerated in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented by hardware or software depends on the specific application and overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be understood as going beyond the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0263] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for reporting uplink timing advance, the system including a communication device as a terminal device in the embodiment of Figure 14 above and a communication device as a network device, or the system including a communication device as a terminal device in the embodiment of Figure 10 above and a communication device as a network device.

[0264] The present disclosure further provides a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functionality of any of the method embodiments described above.

[0265] The present disclosure further provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functionality of any of the above method embodiments.

[0266] The above embodiments may be implemented entirely or partially in software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software may be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer programs are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are generated entirely or partially. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wire (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, radio, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, or may include a data storage device, such as a server, data center, or the like, integrated on one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0267] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerals such as first, second, etc. in the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely used to distinguish between them for ease of explanation, and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor do they indicate a sequence.

[0268] In the present disclosure, "at least one" is described as "one" or "multiple," and "multiple" may be "two," "three," "four," or more, and is not limited by the present disclosure. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, for one type of technical feature, the technical feature is distinguished by "first," "second," "third," "A," "B," "C," and "D," etc., and there is no order of priority or magnitude among the technical features described by "first," "second," "third," "A," "B," "C," and "D."

[0269] The correspondences indicated in each table in the present disclosure may be set or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and may be set to other values ​​and are not limited by the present disclosure. When setting the correspondences between information and each parameter, it is not necessary to set all of the correspondences indicated in each table. For example, the correspondences indicated in some rows in the tables of the present disclosure may not be set. Furthermore, appropriate modifications such as separation and combination can be performed based on the above tables. The names of the parameters indicated in the titles of the above tables may be other names understandable to the communication device, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters may also be other values ​​or representations understandable to the communication device. When implementing the above tables, other data structures such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables may also be used.

[0270] Predefined in this disclosure may be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-consolidated, pre-set, solidified, or pre-baked.

[0271] Those skilled in the art can understand that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be realized in electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical means. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functions using different methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present disclosure.

[0272] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the sake of easy and concise explanation, the specific operating processes of the above-mentioned systems, devices and units can refer to the corresponding processes in the method embodiments, and the description will be omitted here.

[0273] The above are only specific embodiments of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any changes or substitutions that a person skilled in the art can easily make within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be governed by the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A positioning method, performed by a core network device, the method comprising: a step of transmitting a positioning message, the positioning message including time information for instructing the device to return response information; The step of transmitting the positioning message includes: sending a positioning message to the access network device, the positioning message being one of a positioning measurement result request message, a positioning information request message, and a positioning activation request message; Or, sending a positioning message to the terminal device, the positioning message being a terminal device capability request message; A positioning method characterized by:

2. The time information is one of a time point and a time length.

2. The positioning method according to claim 1, wherein:

3. receiving a positioning request message, the positioning request message including a time of a predetermined location; and determining the time information based on a time at the predetermined location.

2. The positioning method according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The step of determining the time information based on the time of the predetermined location includes: determining the time information based on a time of the predetermined location and a time when the positioning request message was received; 4. The positioning method according to claim 3, wherein:

5. The step of determining the time information based on the time of the predetermined location includes: determining the time information based on a time of the predetermined location and a type of the positioning message; 4. The positioning method according to claim 3, wherein:

6. 1. A positioning method, performed by an access network device, the method comprising: receiving a positioning message, the positioning message including time information for instructing the device to return response information; The positioning message is one of a positioning information request message, a positioning measurement result request message, and a positioning activation request message. A positioning method characterized by:

7. The time information is a time point or a time length.

7. The positioning method according to claim 6, wherein:

8. The time information is a time point, and the method includes: and further comprising returning response information before the time point.

8. The positioning method according to claim 7, wherein:

9. The time information is a time length, and the method includes: starting a first timer in response to the positioning message being received; returning response information before the count value of the first timer reaches the time length.

8. The positioning method according to claim 7, wherein:

10. The positioning message is a positioning information request message, and the method includes: The method further includes a step of returning uplink positioning reference signal configuration information corresponding to a designated terminal device within a time indicated by the time information, wherein the designated terminal device is the terminal device indicated in the positioning information request message.

7. The positioning method according to claim 6, wherein:

11. The positioning message is a positioning activation request message, and the method includes: and returning a positioning activation response message within a time indicated by the time information.

7. The positioning method according to claim 6, wherein:

12. 1. A positioning method, executed by a terminal device, said method comprising: receiving a positioning message, the positioning message including time information for instructing the device to return response information; The positioning message is a terminal device capability request message. A positioning method characterized by:

13. The time information is a time point or a time length.

13. The positioning method according to claim 12, wherein:

14. The time information is a time point, and the method includes: and further comprising returning response information before the time point.

14. The positioning method according to claim 13,

15. The time information is a time length, and the method includes: starting a first timer in response to the positioning message being received; returning response information before the count value of the first timer reaches the time length.

14. The positioning method according to claim 13, 16. The method comprising: and further comprising returning positioning capability information of the terminal device within a time indicated by the time information.

13. The positioning method according to claim 12, wherein:

17. A communications device configured in a core network device, the device comprising: a transmitting / receiving module for transmitting a positioning message, the positioning message including time information for instructing the returning of response information; transmitting the positioning message sending a positioning message to an access network device, the positioning message being one of a positioning measurement result request message, a positioning information request message, and a positioning activation request message; Or, Sending a positioning message to the terminal device, the positioning message including a terminal device capability request message; A communication device comprising:

18. A communications apparatus configured in an access network device, the apparatus comprising: a transmitting / receiving module for receiving a positioning message, the positioning message including time information for instructing the transmitting / receiving module to return response information; The positioning message is one of a positioning information request message, a positioning measurement result request message, and a positioning activation request message. A communication device comprising:

19. A communications apparatus configured in a terminal device, the apparatus comprising: a transmitting / receiving module for receiving a positioning message, the positioning message including time information for instructing the transmitting / receiving module to return response information; The positioning message is a terminal device capability request message. A communication device comprising:

20. A communication device including a processor and a memory, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, thereby causing the device to perform the positioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A communication device comprising:

21. A communication device including a processor and a memory, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, thereby causing the device to perform the positioning method according to any one of claims 6 to 11. A communication device comprising:

22. A communication device including a processor and a memory, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, thereby causing the device to perform the positioning method according to any one of claims 12 to 16. A communication device comprising:

23. A communications device comprising a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is used to receive and transmit code instructions to the processor; The processor is used to execute the code instructions to perform the positioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A communication device comprising:

24. A communications device comprising a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is used to receive and transmit code instructions to the processor; The processor is used to execute the code instructions to perform the positioning method according to any one of claims 6 to 11. A communication device comprising:

25. A communications device comprising a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is used to receive and transmit code instructions to the processor; The processor is used to execute the code instructions to perform the positioning method according to any one of claims 12 to 16. A communication device comprising:

26. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions which, when executed, result in the positioning method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A computer-readable storage medium comprising:

27. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions which, when executed, result in the positioning method according to any one of claims 6 to 11. A computer-readable storage medium comprising:

28. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions which, when executed, result in the positioning method according to any one of claims 12 to 16. A computer-readable storage medium comprising:

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